Yahoo News The beach an hour from Greater Manchester among ‘UK’s best’ you need to visit this weekend
After a slow start it finally feels like summer has arrived; the sun is shining and you no longer need several layers to go outside. The wonderful weather may have you longing for a trip to the beach and you just can’t beat a day at the seaside when the sun is shining.
With a vast sandy beach, a beautiful pier and rows of pastel-coloured beach huts, Lytham St Annes offers the quintessential seaside experience. It’s quieter than Blackpool, but has more facilities than Formby, making it perfect for a day trip.
St Annes beach was recently recognised for being among “the best beaches in England” and received a Seaside Award. It was handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which acknowledges the quality of the sites, the management of the beaches and facilities which are available.
With clean golden sand it’s a lovely spot for a picnic, and excellent for making sandcastles. Although it’s important to note that dogs are banned from the beach during the summer season between the pier and the boating pond; and be aware of the tide as it can come in quickly, but when it's out the beach is massive.
Overlooking the beach is the town’s magnificent Victorian Pier. It first opened in 1885 and is full of old-fashioned charm. Reaching an impressive 600ft from the shore, it has amusements, seats and, of course, ice cream spots. From the end there are incredible views along the beach.
Another traditional feature of Lytham St Annes are its beach huts. The quaint huts line the promenade and can be hired by the day for groups of up to six people from £155.
They’re a perfect base for a day at the seaside with amenities such as a fridge, kettle, crockery and cutlery, and electricity to ensure you can have a comfortable experience - so there’s no worrying about getting sand in your pack up. There’s a seating area inside and extra chairs too.
If you’ve got little kids, a visit to Lytham St Annes’ splash park is a must. It’s found in the Promenade Gardens and costs just £1 for a one-hour session - although you’ll need to reserve a slot online in advance. It’s aimed at children aged three to 12 and offers a range of features including spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops, water domes and a small section for paddling. It’s open seven days a week until September.
There are several parking options at Lytham St Annes, including at the beachside North Promenade (FY8 2NQ) which starts from £1.30 for one hour. There’s also parking at Bath Street (FY8 5LB) starting from £1.30 for one hour.
